One of the big newcomers on defense for the Ducks in 2021 will not see much playing time due to NCAA age restrictions. But nonetheless the addition of Tim DeRuyter will be one of the biggest stories and things to watch this spring camp. He arrives in Eugene replacing Andy Avalos who moved on to Boise State to take on their head coaching position. Luckily for DeRuyter, the defense regressed in most categories last season, so he is set up to succeed from that perspective.

What I expect to see out of DeRuyter is a different sort of use of the talent than we have seen the last couple years, starting with the use of all American Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodaux has the makings of a superstar, but in the past was aligned in places that got him double teamed easily, such as lining up on the inside nose of the tackle on occasion. Sounds like DeRuyter is planning to use more of an even front with Thibodeaux on the edge player in space, which will take advantage of his enormous pass rush skills and overall playmaking ability.

But it is not just KT who will benefit. I would imagine that the linebackers, a deep and talented group, will be wreaking havoc upon offenses with four defensive linemen in front of them to take on the blockers. We shall see, but I expect DeRuyter to be an impact newcomer for sure.

Regardless of whether KT is considered a linebacker or defensive end, the defensive line has plenty of openings in the spring camp depth chart for players to step up. With long time starters Austin Faoliu and Jordon Scott moving on, more than a hundred DL snaps are up for grabs every game.

Oregon does return plenty of talent such as Popo Aumavae, Keyon Ware-Hudson, Kristian Williams, Brandon Dorlus, Sua’ava Poti and several more Pac-12 quality athletes in the unit.

Still, Clovis (Calif.) freshman SDE Keanu Williams has the ability and size to be a 2021 contributor, and the 15 spring sessions will be extremely valuable for him.

Oregon does not have room in their starting linebacker rotation for 2021 if returning starters Isaac Slade-Matautia, Noah Sewell and Mase Funa have anything to say about it. Behind them the Ducks also have some enormous talent.

Which puts Lebanon (Ore.) freshman Keith Brown in a great position. He is highly recruited, talented and a very quick learner. But there is no pressure on him to produce right away. Sure, he has the chance to be exceptional and earn minutes, but even without extensive playing time this next year learning form some great players and coaches will be invaluable for him.

With the graduations of Nick Pickett and Deommodore Lenoir, Oregon enters 2021 with two openings in the defensive backfield. But like at every position for Oregon, the Ducks are talented and deep in this unit already. With one safety graduating, several are ready to step up such as Jordan Happle, Steve Stevens, and Bennett Williams.

At cornerback, the Ducks will be replacing one long term starter, but DJ James has looked very good, and Trikweze Bridges and JJ Greenfield are coming off their redshirt seasons looking to make their mark.

For Jeffrey Bassa and Daymon David, the road to playing time might be difficult, particularly if the ducks play more four defensive back sets then last year. But at cornerback Jaylin Davies has a shot to be helpful this next season because he is not only talented but possesses the length that none of the other top Duck cornerbacks possess.

For now, the one impactful newcomer will be somebody who will not see any playing time, and that is Tim DeRuyter. He has the talent to scheme the defense into substantial improvement this season.

In terms of impact none of the athlete newcomers are expected to contribute heavily in 2021. They are all going to be given a chance to earn it, but the Ducks do not have immediate needs that cannot be filled by others on the roster. But with a top ten recruiting class, there is plenty of talent that just arrived in town capable of breaking into the depth chart in 2021.